How long does it take for the tip of a nose to start to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

Question

Yesterday was my one week post op appointment after rhinoplasty. I had a deviated septum corrected, and my nasal tip reconstructed. I have minimal bruising but my tip is very swollen and round. I understand that the appearance is affected by swelling but I am wondering how long it will take for the tip to look more natural. I start school in 3 weeks. Is there anything I can do to help swelling? Will ice help eliminate swelling?

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Great question.  The swelling in the tip of the nose is the last to see gone, and can take up to a year.  Sometimes I have injected a little steroid to help, but this is very tricky.  I would not recommend it this soon after your surgery.  Consult with your surgeon and get his/her feedback about your swelling, I do not suggest using ice at this point.  Good luck

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

It may take 9-12 months or longer to see the final nasal tip refinement
especially if you are a male, have thick skin, or have had a secondary Rhinoplasty. A Board Certified
plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist with expertise in Rhinoplasty will guide you properly
to make sure you have a normal postoperative course.

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, MD · Answer

The thickness of skin and amount of fat in the tip of the nose will determine how long it takes for the final shape to come about.  Generally, within 4-6 weeks you will see a rather good improvement but in some noses the final changes may take up to one year.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A tip will take a year or more for the swelling to settle. you have to be patient and give it time.  Best of luck.

Erel Laufer, MD · Answer

Nasal tip takes a  few months to "soften" and "shrink".Based on the technique (open vs. closed) this interval may be shorter or longer.Ice and certain proteolytic enzymes  may help speed up the process.

Brajendra Baser, MS, DNB, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

The Nasal tip swelling depends on the technique used ,in closed technique the tip oedema subsides early while in open approach it takes a bit longer.In general 70% of the swelling subsides in 6 to 8 weeks ,the remaing 30% may take 6 months to a year to subside,by 3 weeks the nose shuld look reasnably good ,so you should be ok inschool

How long does it take for the tip of a nose to start to look normal after Rhinoplasty?

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